SPORTS HEADLINES

Paradise’s new lineup began a crash course in varsity volleyball Friday.

The Lady Panthers, who returned just one player from the team that reached the third round of the Class 2A playoffs, took on three opponents in a scrimmage Friday. It was to be followed with matches against another four schools.

Paradise coach Susie Burt said the action was exactly what her team needed.

“We’re playing good teams – Argyle, Aubrey, Holliday, Sanger and Celina,” Burt said. “It will help us see what we need to work on and see where we are.”

The Lady Panthers spent the majority of the week developing skills. By Thursday, Burt felt a majority of her starting rotation was in place.

“It’s not quite a full rotation,” she said. “We need to tweak it a bit. We have five players that look pretty good.”

Freshman Makenna Burt and junior Courtney Andrews are leading the team at setter.

“Both are new setters,” their coach said. “I want to see how good our hitters do and who is going to step up.”

Jennifer Buell is expected to take over at libero for last year’s 6-2A player of the year Candice McDaniel.

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